UK, Netherlands sign $3.2B maritime partnership deal

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and his Dutch counterpart Rob Jetten have signed a £2.4 billion ($3.2 billion) maritime partnership agreement on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Ankara, Report informs, citing a statement from the British government.

Under the agreement, the British and Dutch armed forces will receive new amphibious transport ships.

"By bringing together the UK's industrial expertise with the Netherlands" design and seafaring experience to create world-class platforms for our elite amphibious forces, we will strengthen NATO," Starmer said.

Each country will receive four ships, which will form the backbone of enhanced UK-Dutch amphibious forces. The vessels, about 160 meters long and with a displacement of 15,000 tonnes, will be able to carry troops, vehicles, equipment and unmanned systems.

The ships will also have specially designed flight decks for operating current and future long-range drones and autonomous systems.